VOL. 22 NO. 50 16TH NOVEMBER 2014
Very Rev. Ciaran Feeney Adm. 191 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3JB.
Phone – 9065 4157. Website: www.st-colmcilles.net E-mail: stcolmcilles@hotmail.com
St. Joseph’s Primary School – www.stjosephsps.co.uk Phone – 9065 0039
St Colmcilles Pre school – www.stcolmcilles-preschool.co.uk. Phone – 9047 2724
33RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – (Page 688, 452 & 499)
33rd Week in Ordinary Time
Readings : Sunday Cycle A, Weekday Cycle 2, Psalter Week 1
| Entrance
Antiphon |
The Lord said: I think thoughts of peace and not of afflictiom. You will call upon me, and I will answer you, and I will lead back your captives from every place. |
| 1st Reading | (Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31) A perfect wife – who can find her? |
| Psalm | O blessed are those who fear the Lord. |
| 2nd Reading | (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6) Let not the Day of the Lord overtake you like a thief. |
| Acclamation | Alleluia, alleluia! Even if you have to die, says the Lord, keep faithful, and I will give you the crown of life. Alleluia! |
| Gospel | (Matthew 25:14-30) You have been faithful in small things; come and join in your master’s happiness. |
| Children | A man went away and gave his property to his servants to look after. He gave five talents to the first servant, two to the next and one to the last. When the master came back, the first two servants had doubled their money. The master was pleased. The last servant, who had the smallest amount, had not made any money. He had been too frightened to use his talent and had buried it. The master was very angry. The servant had not even tried to use his talent well. |
| Communion
Antiphon |
To be near God is my happiness, to place my hope in God the Lord. |
MASS TIMES FOR COMING WEEK
| Saturday | Sunday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 6.30pm
Margaret Doyle |
9.30am
Michael Fay |
9.30am | 9.30am | 9.30am | 9.30am
Anoiniting of the Sick |
| Confessions at 6.00pm | 11.30am | 7.00pm
Annual Mass for Deceased Parishioners |
Could those who are last to leave the Parish grounds
in the evening please close the car park gates.
MONTH OF NOVEMBER
ANNUAL MASS FOR MEMBERS OF OUR PARISH FAMILY – will be celebrated this Tuesday evening at 7.00 pm. This is an opportunity for our parish family to pray for our own deceased relatives and friends as well as the deceased members of our parish who have prayed with us and celebrated the liturgy with us throughout the years.
PARISH WEBCAM
Parishioners are invited to view parish Masses and other parish services with the help of the parish website: www.st-colmcilles.net where you will find the Webcam. Click on ‘WEBCAM’ and scroll to view. The picture quality has been greatly enhanced recently. The Webcam is normally on 24 hours a day. It should also work on iphones, ipads and Android devices. The sound is normally only on during Mass and other Church services.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR BAPTISM IN OUR PARISH
The Sacrament of Baptism is one of the most joyful occasions both for the family and the Parish and everyone is welcome. The next Baptismal Course takes place on Tuesday 25th November in the Iona Room from 8.00pm to 9.30pm, where parents will receive their Baptismal pack and can arrange the date for their child’s Baptism. Baptisms in the Parish take place on the first and last Sunday of each month and attendance at the course is arranged through Philomena in the Parish Office.
PARISH FAMILY
DECEASED – We pray for the repose of the soul of Patrick Aiken, who died recently. We also remember all those whose anniversaries occur at this time of year especially;
Margaret Doyle, Michael Fay, Jean Nelson, Jim Nelson, Alfred Fusco and Jack Allen.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT – we can be contacted on 074 5698 9458. Our members are Regiena Babu, Eileen Brogan, Eithne Daly, Maire Devine, Brenda McMeekin, David McMeekin, Celine Molloy, Joan Rogan and Lucy Traynor.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION – evening classes are provided in the Parochial Hall, for children who are not being prepared in their school. Parents should attend to enroll their children: for Confirmation students begin on Thursday 27th November at 6.00pm, class ends at 7.00pm. Enquiries to Noeleen 078 7949 8131
CREATING PASTORAL COMMUNITIES – you may remember that back in the Spring we did a count of the attendance at all our Masses over three weeks. This was part of a Review to help us plan for the future. Bishop Treanor has written a letter to the diocese outlining the next steps in a process called Creating Pastoral Communities. Copies of the letter are available at the back of the church.’
BOOKING OF PAROCHIAL HALL – Pat is available from Monday to Friday for bookings. Parishioners wishing to book the Parochial Hall need to speak to Pat on 9067 1036 from 7.00pm to 8.00pm on these evenings.
MONEY MATTERS
Many thanks to all who contributed so generously to the collections.
BISHOPS COMMISSION COLLECTION – will be taken up at all Masses this weekend. This collection helps defray the contributions from the Diocese for the work of the various National Episcopal Commissions. To help it fulfil its aims more effectively, the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference has established various commissions, agencies, councils and other bodies which focus on specific tasks and areas of responsibility within the mission of the Church. These are grouped into five departments as follows: Department of Catholic Education and Formation; Department of Pastoral Care; Department of Planning, Communications and Resources; Department of Social Issues and International Affairs and Department of Worship, Pastoral Renewal and Faith Development. The Diocese is obligated to pay the amount levied by the Bishops’ Conference each year and this annual collection helps cover part of the annual levy.
PARISH DRAW
The latest winners for the Parish Draw are as follows:
£100 – Brian & Anne Marie Gibson, £75 – Desi Gibson & £25 – Lucy Traynor
AWAKENING FAITH
AWAKENING FAITH’ continues this Wednesday evening at 7.30pm in the Iona Room of the Parochial Hall.
Session 2: WHO IS JESUS?
- Why did he come?
- What did he do?
- What difference did he make for me?
Come along and find out why he has something to show us, somewhere to lead us.
Everyone most welcome!
ADVENT
ADVENT REFLECTIONS – during the four weeks of Advent, there will be a series of four DVD presentations in the Iona Room. The DVDs are selections from the highly recommended “Emmaus Series”, created by Australian Theologian, Fr John Thornhill who for six years was a member of the International Theological Commission appointed by Pope John Paul ll. Keep four Thursday mornings free, 27thNovember 4th, 11th and 18thDecember. Sessions commence with coffee and scones after the 9.30am Mass. We will start with “The Community of the Lord’s Disciples” which asks , what was it like to be one of Jesus’ first disciples? Facilitator will be Peter Gahan.
DAILY MEDITATION FOR ADVENT – copies of “Bible Alive” are available at the back of the church. Please put money in any of the Candelabra boxes.
WALK WITH ME – A journey of Prayer for Advent and Christmas. Copies are available at the back of the church. Price £1. Please put money in any of the Candelabra boxes.
DIOCESAN VOCATIONS
VOCATIONS WEEKEND FOR YOUNG MEN – in Drumalis Retreat House, Larne from Friday 13th to Sunday 15th February 2015.
VOCATIONS EVENING – in the Parish of Saintfield on Thursday 30th April 2015. For more information on vocations please contact Father Kevin McGuckien on 9508 8030.
THIS WEEK
ANNUAL MASS FOR MEMBERS OF OUR PARISH FAMILY – will be celebrated this Tuesday evening at 7.00pm.
Scripture Study and Prayer Group – our next meeting will be on this Tuesday evening, at 8.00 pm after the 7.00 p.m. Mass for deceased parishioners. We will reflect on the readings for the Feast of Christ the King and the First Sunday of Advent.
AWAKENING FAITH – continues this Wednesday evening at 7.30pm in the Iona Room of the Parochial Hall
ARE YOU AWARE – that the St Colmcille’s Parent and Toddler group meets in the Parochial Hall every Wednesday during the school term at 10.00am? All children from newborn to pre-school age are welcome, along with their parents or carers. Come along for a chat and a cup of tea while the children play and make friends, and if you know of anyone else who might like to come, please pass on this invitation. We extend a special invitation to men caring for young children.
- COLMCILLE’S SCOUT GROUP – the annual investiture and AGM of parents will take place in the Parochial Hall on this Sunday, beginning at 3.00pm sharp. All parents, supporters and friends of the Group are invited to attend.
WEDNESDAY CLUB – this Wednesday we are going to the Tudor Cinema in Comber to see “Shall we Dance”. Bus leaving church grounds at 1.15pm Price £8. If you would like to attend place ring Anna on 9065 1351 to book. Everyone welcome.
COMING EVENTS
60+ CHRISTMAS PARTY – will be held on Sunday 7th December in the Parochial Hall commencing at 4.30pm and finishing at approximately 8.00pm. The night will include a 3 course dinner, entertainment and a visit from Santa. Tickets are available from Roisin McMullan 078 5414 0019, Mary Walsh 078 1549 3463 or Lucy Traynor 079 0080 7589. If you require transport please let us know when your book your place. We look forward to seeing you there.
ADVENT REFLECTIONS – during the four weeks of Advent, there will be a series of four DVD presentations in the Iona Room. The DVDs are selections from the highly recommended “Emmaus Series”, created by Australian Theologian, Fr John Thornhill who for six years was a member of the International Theological Commission appointed by Pope John Paul ll. Keep four Thursday mornings free, 27thNovember 4th, 11th and 18thDecember. APOSTOLIC WORK – Grand Christmas Sale takes place after the Masses on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November. Stalls include cakes, books, bric-a-brac, toys, jewellery and Christmas items. Come and do your Christmas shopping and help the Missions,
EARLY ALERT – Family weekend in Corrymeela with our Presbyterian neighbours will take place from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th December. All families welcome! More details later.
WEDNESDAY CLUB – Christmas Lunch at La Mon on Wednesday 10th December. Price £20. If you would like to attend place ring Anna on 9065 1351 to book. Everyone welcome.
SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
CHRISTMAS CARDS – once again the Christmas season looms closer and our traditional practice of sending Christmas cards to loved ones and friends is nearly upon us. SVP Christmas cards will be available to purchase in the porch of the Church after each weekend Mass for the next 3 to 4 weeks or by contacting one of the members. The price is £3.50 per pack and we thank you for your support once again in raising funds for needy families in our community at this time of year.
ANNUAL LOCAL COLLECTIONS – will take place in Spar on Saturday 29th November from 9.00am to 5.00pm and Tesco Express on Saturday 6th December from 9.00am to 5.00pm. Collectors are required and there is a list at the back of the Church. Please put your name and telephone number, name of store and time suitable for doing a collection.
REPORTS
UNITY PILGRIMS – sincere thanks to the 52 members of St. Colmcille’s who attended neighbouring Christian Churches on Rememberance Sunday.
SHARING FAIR – Sr Catherine and Good Shepherd Volunteers wish to thank the Parishioners of St Colmcille’s Parish for their support for Sharing Fair last week-end. Crafts sold and donations received amounted to: £1,473.50. We hope you enjoy the beautiful crafted items you purchased—they were all made with hands of great hope by women and young girls whose lives are greatly enhanced by the sale of these crafts. Be assured of a daily remembrance in our community prayers. You can continue to be in contact with Sharing Fair by calling to: 19 Rossmore Drive (off the Ormeau Road) where the crafts are available; or by e-mail: sharingfair@btconnect.com or by phone: 9069 4036.
TROCAIRE – one year ago collections were held in churches across Ireland in response to humanitarian emergencies in Syria and the Philippines. These collections raised €5.1m (£3.9m), which has supported Trócaire’s response in both regions. A short newsletter which outlines the projects that have been supported by donations to Trócaire is available at the back of the Church. Trócaire’s send their sincere thanks to parishioners for their generosity, which has enabled us to reach approximately 725,000 people affected by these crises.
OTHER NOTICES
OUR LADY AND ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE – presents ‘Evita’ until this Tuesday evening at 7.45 p.m. in the College Hall. Tickets on sale from the College, phone 9040 1184 or pay at the door on the night. Price – Adults: £10.00; Concession: £6.00.
Keep Calm-Slow Down for Christmas – Come and enjoy calm for a few hours in the middle of the Christmas frenzy. Slow down. Rest. Rediscover Christmas for yourself. Time for you-time for God. Space for yourself to pray and think, gently guided by Breige O’Hare. On Saturday 6th December from 11.00am to 3.00pm in Clonard Monastery,. Bring a packed lunch. Tea/coffee provided. Donation £5. Booking is essential. Ring Clonard Christmas Pioneer Gifts – Sacred Heart Calendars and Diaries for 2015 as well as Christmas cards are available from the Diocesan Pioneer Office, 68 Berry Street, Belfast.
FLOWER ARRANGING DEMONSTRATION – by Hilda McClements (Chelsea Medal Winner) in St. Columba’s Parish Church, Kings Road, on Wednesday 26th November at 7.30pm Tickets £10 (includes light refreshments) available from Elizabeth Leonard (9065 3162) or Clodagh Reid (9187 2611)
9044 5950 or contact Breige through her website www.athomewithgod.co.uk
AL-ANON GROUP TO SUPPORT FAMILIES OF ALCOHOLICS – runs every Saturday at 12.00 noon in the Beaver Room of the Skanios Centre.
Volunteer with Parkinson’s UK – volunteers have always been an integral part of Parkinson’s UK work, and we are currently looking for volunteers to get involved with our pioneering work in local communities to connect with and support people living with Parkinson’s. If you would like to learn more about our work and how you can get involved come along to:Agape Centre, 238 Lisburn Road, this Thursday evening at 7.00pm. For more information contact Paula McLarnon on 084 4225 3684 or email pmclarnon@parkinsons.org.uk
PARENTING TEENAGERS COURSE – continues in Knock Presbyterian Church this Tuesday evening and Tuesday 9th December from 7.30pm to 9.00pm. For more information please see leaflet at back of Church or contact Nicki Jemphrey on 078 4092 4505 or njemphrey@knockpresbyterian.co.uk
An Ecumenical Service for Prisons Week – will be celebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Donegall Street this Wednesday evening at 7.30pm. Prison Week is a week of prayer of all those involved in prison life. An invitation is extended to all those involved, those working with victims of crime and all those family members who have been affected by family members in prison.
CAPPELLA CAECILIANA – will launch their new CD at a concert next Sunday evening at 7.30pm in the Good Shepherd Church. The concert will also feature The Priests. Tickets (£10) are available from Matchetts Music in Wellington Place, Nazareth Care Village and online at www.ceeciliana.org.
Home-Start South & East Belfast – is in need of Volunteer Trustees to sit on the management Committee, in particular a volunteer to carry out Treasury duties, approx 3 to 4 hours per month. If you feel you can give a few hours to this very worthy local charity or would like to find out more information on trustee responsibilities please contact Eithné Graham on 078 1409 1838 or Home-Start South & East Belfast on 9045 9429.